I’ve never really made the leap into the digital scanners as Orland Park has remained on conventional. I’ve relocated to Lockport recently and I’d like to be able to hear my new local PD. Will any Phase II digital scanner work? What is the bottom line least expensive unit that I could purchase that would tune me in?
What type of scanner do I need to receive Lockport PD?
- Thread starter svenmarbles
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elrod
Member
Lockport is dispatched by Wescom on Starcom. Go to this link https://www.radioreference.com/apps/db/?sid=2324 and scroll to Will County.
You will need a P II scanner.
doctordialtone
Member
According to the DB for Will County, it is still Phase I in that county.
If a new scanner is needed though, I'd go ahead and get one that does do P II.
Just be aware of simulcast distortion issues while monitoring Starcom. If you're in a location that is receiving two Starcom sites at the same time, your monitoring might be broken or choppy. The SDS 100/SDS 200 have resolved that concern but come at a price. All other scanners are hit or miss...might have to turn to the southwest, use aluminum foil and any other tricks you will find
. Good luck on your choice.
. Good luck on your choice.Would a phase I system be able to be monitored by an older digital like the old Pro96?
It will work for 800 MHz sites but not all 700 MHz sites as some 700 sites use frequencies that fall outside of the 96 or 2096 tuning range.
Rebanded systems may also need custom tables to be entered. The 96 only has room for I think 6 custom table lines but if the site is only 800 MHz, the 96 should hold any custom tables just fine. The 96 should work as is for sites that are not rebanded.
I use a 96 here for our statewide VHF P25 system. It works well for that system as long as custom tables are entered.
You cannot use a PRO96/2096 on Lockport, it does NOT trunk 700mgz, they are also dispatched with the village of Cresthill on TG 33911and primarily use Tower 113, so if your in LKPT you should have no trouble....I have been thru there many times with the 325P2/996P2 using T113 perfectly.....
Ok cool! Glad to know you’re a local. Maybe you can give me a hand when it’s time to get my radio set up?
Hey how about a BCD396T? Would this suit my needs? I have a guy at work who’ll give me his for a nice price...
doctordialtone
Member
VASCAR2
Member
A BCD396T will not work on Phase 2 P25. I picked up a used BCD325P2 for a good price. In a metro area like Lockport/Will county I would consider a newer scanner than a 396T which are dated. Even a Uniden BCD396XT are not Phase 2 capable but are still good scanners for certain applications.
I think in the long run the Uniden BCD325P2 are a good value but aren’t stellar on systems with simulcast LSM sites. I’m in the Winnebago County area frequently and the BCD325P2 works very good in some locations decoding the Rockford or Boone County simulcast LSM sites but in other locations it fails to pick up the traffic, is garbled or choppy.
I think in the long run the Uniden BCD325P2 are a good value but aren’t stellar on systems with simulcast LSM sites. I’m in the Winnebago County area frequently and the BCD325P2 works very good in some locations decoding the Rockford or Boone County simulcast LSM sites but in other locations it fails to pick up the traffic, is garbled or choppy.
Without knowing if P25 simulcast will be problematic, it's a crap shoot to be honest. You might pick up a good deal, program everything right, have the best signal and the receive will be choppy or broken as they are in Starcom simulcast holes like I experienced for years. Then you'll spend more time trying to troubleshoot, buy antennas, foil and any other workarounds you'll see here. I'd save my pennies for the SDS 100 or 200 and you're reception will be almost a guarantee that you'll be able to monitor Starcom effectively. Also if you choose the portable SDS 100, if you take it on the road to other areas where P25 simulcast is an issue, you'll have better luck. If you consider any of the others, no guarantees. Good luck on your decision.
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